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Darling Hill #0.5
These Dark Hearts
Harleigh Wren Maguire has loved Phoenix Wilder for as long as she can remember.
He's everything she isn't.
Brave.
Reckless.
One-hundred percent unapologetic.
But it's Halloween... the perfect excuse to dress up and be someone you're not. To step out of your comfort zone and do things you wouldn't usually do.
And Harleigh is determined to make her best friend notice her for once.
There's only one problem.
Everyone knows monsters come out to play on All Hallows' Eve...
She just didn't ever think Nix would become her worst nightmare.
He's everything she isn't.
Brave.
Reckless.
One-hundred percent unapologetic.
But it's Halloween... the perfect excuse to dress up and be someone you're not. To step out of your comfort zone and do things you wouldn't usually do.
And Harleigh is determined to make her best friend notice her for once.
There's only one problem.
Everyone knows monsters come out to play on All Hallows' Eve...
She just didn't ever think Nix would become her worst nightmare.
53 pages, ebook
First published November 29, 2021
74 people are currently reading
744 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Cotton
120 books3,130 followers Reckless Love. Wild Hearts.
L A COTTON is USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over forty mature young adult and new adult novels, LA COTTON is happiest writing the kind of books she loves to read: addictive stories full of teenage angst, tension, twists and turns.
Home is a small town in the middle of England where she currently juggles being a full-time writer with being a mother/referee to two little people. In her spare time (and when she’s not camped out in front of the laptop) you’ll most likely find LA immersed in a book, escaping the chaos that is life.
L A loves connecting with readers, and you can find her at:
Official Website
www.lacotton.com
Social Media
www.facebook.com/authorlacotton
www.instagram.com/authorlacotton
L A COTTON is USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over forty mature young adult and new adult novels, LA COTTON is happiest writing the kind of books she loves to read: addictive stories full of teenage angst, tension, twists and turns.
Home is a small town in the middle of England where she currently juggles being a full-time writer with being a mother/referee to two little people. In her spare time (and when she’s not camped out in front of the laptop) you’ll most likely find LA immersed in a book, escaping the chaos that is life.
L A loves connecting with readers, and you can find her at:
Official Website
www.lacotton.com
Social Media
www.facebook.com/authorlacotton
www.instagram.com/authorlacotton
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
December 8, 2021
1 1/2 stars. This is my own personal opinion, but I guess I'm in the minority that didn't care for this book. Childhood friends who grew up together, he sleeps with OWs as a means to an end and she hasn't even kissed anyone in her life. Hero feels up and flaunts OWs in front of the h, which she just watches pathetically. She also never gets hit on because the Hero warns other guys away. Supposedly H has been in love with h forever, but she's too good for him so that's why he won't have anything more with her. At a party, they finally kiss AFTER she pathetically watches him make out with an OW. She also got pushed around by another guy at the party and H did nothing because he was mad she dressed like a "whore". I hate this type of crap. He kept pushing her away and she kept chasing him. Ends on a cliffhanger where he pushed her away and of course she's still chasing him. I'm not a fan of doormat heroines who are the ones chasing the Hero.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2022
Audiobook 🎧: 5 🌟
FIVE STARS for Harleigh and Nix 💖🖤💖🖤!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
What can I say, except that Lianne interested me in the love story of Harleigh and Nix with this very short book and that I'm immensely looking forward to the sequel I want to read it as soon as possible.
Do you like best friends to lovers trope?
Then this is the series for you!
FIVE STARS for Harleigh and Nix 💖🖤💖🖤!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
What can I say, except that Lianne interested me in the love story of Harleigh and Nix with this very short book and that I'm immensely looking forward to the sequel I want to read it as soon as possible.
Do you like best friends to lovers trope?
Then this is the series for you!
March 11, 2022
A dark and angsty prequel.. 4.5 stars!
LA Cotton is such a master at creating angsty and real characters that are destined to have to fight through hell for what they want. She is definitely one of my top contemporary authors, and I can't wait for the rest of Birdie and Nix's story! ♡
LA Cotton is such a master at creating angsty and real characters that are destined to have to fight through hell for what they want. She is definitely one of my top contemporary authors, and I can't wait for the rest of Birdie and Nix's story! ♡
October 4, 2021
These Dark Hearts
the prequel in
Darling Hill
series by L.A. Cotton tells the story of Harleigh ‘Birdie/B’ Wren Maguire and Phoenix ‘Nix’ Wilder. With being told solely through Harleigh’s perspective.
Holy Heck! Once again L.A. Cotton absolutely killed it!
These Dark Hearts may have been a Prequel, but it didn’t stop you from feeling like you had put through the wringer with having ridden the most spectacular, adventurous rollercoaster ride. All within 7 Chapters only.
Given the chemistry sparks that were flying off between Harleigh and Nix throughout. The narrative constantly had you on the edge on your seat in anticipation of if and when the big explosion would occur between Harleigh and Nix.
Honestly this story had me quivering all throughout, only to leave me in a trembling puddle of mess by the end. Considering the intensity surrounding the angst, drama within the emotions and feelings, tension from the build up of suspense and mystery for what's to come by the cliffhanger ending. I never wanted to stop reading!
If there was ever a prequel to check out, These Dark Hearts by L.A. Cotton is definitely a MUST READ! Not only because how AMAZING it truly was, but because it will prepare you for what’s to come in the Darling Hill series with Harleigh and Nix’s story.
Holy Heck! Once again L.A. Cotton absolutely killed it!
These Dark Hearts may have been a Prequel, but it didn’t stop you from feeling like you had put through the wringer with having ridden the most spectacular, adventurous rollercoaster ride. All within 7 Chapters only.
Given the chemistry sparks that were flying off between Harleigh and Nix throughout. The narrative constantly had you on the edge on your seat in anticipation of if and when the big explosion would occur between Harleigh and Nix.
Honestly this story had me quivering all throughout, only to leave me in a trembling puddle of mess by the end. Considering the intensity surrounding the angst, drama within the emotions and feelings, tension from the build up of suspense and mystery for what's to come by the cliffhanger ending. I never wanted to stop reading!
If there was ever a prequel to check out, These Dark Hearts by L.A. Cotton is definitely a MUST READ! Not only because how AMAZING it truly was, but because it will prepare you for what’s to come in the Darling Hill series with Harleigh and Nix’s story.
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October 5, 2021Free 5 Oct 2021
http://bit.ly/hallowednight
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March 11, 2022
It all started with Halloween but these dirty lies is out soon.
This is the start of the mystery that’s about to unfold and I enjoyed every minute of it..
Available for free.
This is the start of the mystery that’s about to unfold and I enjoyed every minute of it..
Available for free.
October 4, 2021
Ooh… 5 plus stars for this story. I can’t wait for this new series to drop. LA Cotton has brought the angst factor with Harleigh and Nix. Their chemistry, the tension… straight fire!!! Darling Hill is gonna be another great series. I can feel it… I was hooked from the get go and these boys of Darling Hill have me intrigued!
December 19, 2021
Unpopular opinion alert!
It’s quite hard for me to say this because I’ve actually loved LA Cottons previous books, but…I found some parts of this to be quite predictable and slightly annoying. It’s a prequel to a new series, so all in all, a fairly quick read. We meet Harleigh (Birdie) and Phoenix (Nix) who are childhood best friends. Birdie is crazy in love with her BFF, never been kissed and desperate for his attention. Nix is the big man around Darling Hill, harbouring secret feelings for his bestie but fucking every girl that shows him attention because he feels like Birdie “deserves better” - this bit had me rolling my eyes a little, for obvious reasons.
Dont get me wrong, I didn’t HATE this book; the premise of the story was interesting and I love “best-friends to lovers” romance, so it had potential. It ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger so I am tempted to read the next book when it comes out next year, just to see where the story goes.
It’s quite hard for me to say this because I’ve actually loved LA Cottons previous books, but…I found some parts of this to be quite predictable and slightly annoying. It’s a prequel to a new series, so all in all, a fairly quick read. We meet Harleigh (Birdie) and Phoenix (Nix) who are childhood best friends. Birdie is crazy in love with her BFF, never been kissed and desperate for his attention. Nix is the big man around Darling Hill, harbouring secret feelings for his bestie but fucking every girl that shows him attention because he feels like Birdie “deserves better” - this bit had me rolling my eyes a little, for obvious reasons.
Dont get me wrong, I didn’t HATE this book; the premise of the story was interesting and I love “best-friends to lovers” romance, so it had potential. It ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger so I am tempted to read the next book when it comes out next year, just to see where the story goes.
May 2, 2023
Nix and Birdie.
Well damn. This prequel started out with a bang.
Birdie (Harleigh Miguire) has been in love with her childhood best friend Nix (Phoenix Wilder) her whole life. She sees a side of him that no one else can see which makes her feel special but they’ve always been strictly friends and so it’s hard for her to see him with other girls.
On Halloween, Birdie decided to dress up and Harley Quinn and show off to Nix hoping he’d finally notice her. It backfired when he didn’t talk to her all night seeming pissed specifically at her. Finally getting a back bone she decides to call him out on it and he just doesn’t feel worthy of her. They decide that one night, and this one night only they would kiss.. and maybe fingers touch other places…
This was such a good story. And I will absolutely be following this author for the full book!
Well damn. This prequel started out with a bang.
Birdie (Harleigh Miguire) has been in love with her childhood best friend Nix (Phoenix Wilder) her whole life. She sees a side of him that no one else can see which makes her feel special but they’ve always been strictly friends and so it’s hard for her to see him with other girls.
On Halloween, Birdie decided to dress up and Harley Quinn and show off to Nix hoping he’d finally notice her. It backfired when he didn’t talk to her all night seeming pissed specifically at her. Finally getting a back bone she decides to call him out on it and he just doesn’t feel worthy of her. They decide that one night, and this one night only they would kiss.. and maybe fingers touch other places…
This was such a good story. And I will absolutely be following this author for the full book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2022
So, so good!
This short prequel is a perfect introduction to Lianne's upcoming book and I cannot wait to dive into it head-first! Gosh, Nix and Birdie own my heart, I kid you not! Despite being short, These Dark Hearts holds an emotional punch and insane tension. I'm super excited to read more about these characters!
This short prequel is a perfect introduction to Lianne's upcoming book and I cannot wait to dive into it head-first! Gosh, Nix and Birdie own my heart, I kid you not! Despite being short, These Dark Hearts holds an emotional punch and insane tension. I'm super excited to read more about these characters!
October 5, 2021
This is the first piece of work that I've read from this author, and altho it was a short story I enjoyed it!
It left me wanting much much more, which really isn't that the aim of any story?? I came from the anthology this is in to here to make sure I didn't forget about the next book!!
Cute friends to possible lovers. Hayleighs feelings for her best friend Phoenix have morphed to something much more and much deeper but he barely looks at her.
For a Halloween party on the beach she decides to wear a Harvey quinn outfit....Nix seems to swallow his tongue but ignores her for the whole night.
I'm gonna stop here - just go read it!! It's better than reading this!!!😉😉🤣
It left me wanting much much more, which really isn't that the aim of any story?? I came from the anthology this is in to here to make sure I didn't forget about the next book!!
Cute friends to possible lovers. Hayleighs feelings for her best friend Phoenix have morphed to something much more and much deeper but he barely looks at her.
For a Halloween party on the beach she decides to wear a Harvey quinn outfit....Nix seems to swallow his tongue but ignores her for the whole night.
I'm gonna stop here - just go read it!! It's better than reading this!!!😉😉🤣
October 14, 2021
“I was his little Birdie. His best friend. The girl he would always love but never want.”
In the Hallowed Night anthology, L. A. Cotton gives a glimpse into the next promising new adult HS MC Romances of 2022, starting with the prequel: These Dark Hearts.
“You’re my best friend. My… ride-or-die. I can’t lose you.”
When Harleigh realizes her true feelings for her best friend, Phoenix, the unrequited love creates a wedge between the two. Until one night, on All Hallows’ Eve, Harleigh Wren is determined for Nix to see that their connection goes beyond friendship. And when the two give in for just one night, well a ripple of events take place, leaving Wren abandoned and reunited with the man who claims is her father, and not from the Row. And at Wren’s most difficult time in life, Nix becomes absent from her life, as she begins life in Darling Hills.
“Phoenix Wilder loved me. He loved me with everything he was. He just didn’t love me enough.”
Absolutely LOVED this prequel! I have so many thoughts on their story, and I’m not sure how I’ll be able to wait until Feb ‘22?! Need me some more Darling Hills. Can’t wait to find out what happens next in—These Dirty Lies!
In the Hallowed Night anthology, L. A. Cotton gives a glimpse into the next promising new adult HS MC Romances of 2022, starting with the prequel: These Dark Hearts.
“You’re my best friend. My… ride-or-die. I can’t lose you.”
When Harleigh realizes her true feelings for her best friend, Phoenix, the unrequited love creates a wedge between the two. Until one night, on All Hallows’ Eve, Harleigh Wren is determined for Nix to see that their connection goes beyond friendship. And when the two give in for just one night, well a ripple of events take place, leaving Wren abandoned and reunited with the man who claims is her father, and not from the Row. And at Wren’s most difficult time in life, Nix becomes absent from her life, as she begins life in Darling Hills.
“Phoenix Wilder loved me. He loved me with everything he was. He just didn’t love me enough.”
Absolutely LOVED this prequel! I have so many thoughts on their story, and I’m not sure how I’ll be able to wait until Feb ‘22?! Need me some more Darling Hills. Can’t wait to find out what happens next in—These Dirty Lies!
October 30, 2021
This was a short Halloween story following to best friends Wren & Nix and I really enjoyed it!
These Dark Hearts is part of the Hallowed Night which is an anthology full of spooky and sexy stories taking part on Halloween night.
It was quick but the author really made me feel something by giving us some bits of their background. This was only a prequel to the duet and I'm very intrigued to see what's next after what happened at the end of the novella...
If you're looking for something quick, easy, and spicy with Halloween as the main theme, I highly suggest you to pick it up!
April 11, 2022
Could’ve Been Better
Note: This is part of a duet. These dark hearts is a prequel so do read it to understand the context. First up is these dirty lies, already released. Second and final book is these dirty promises coming April 19 2022.
Trigger warnings: violence, death, alcoholism, child abuse, domestic violence.
I’d deserved better than this. They had chemistry, no romance, no logical banter, the obstacles made me want to throw things at them.
Sigh it could’ve been a much better short prequel had the characters been more original than their stereotypes.
Anyway here’s to hoping the first book is good.
Until the next read,
-TMR
Note: This is part of a duet. These dark hearts is a prequel so do read it to understand the context. First up is these dirty lies, already released. Second and final book is these dirty promises coming April 19 2022.
Trigger warnings: violence, death, alcoholism, child abuse, domestic violence.
I’d deserved better than this. They had chemistry, no romance, no logical banter, the obstacles made me want to throw things at them.
Sigh it could’ve been a much better short prequel had the characters been more original than their stereotypes.
Anyway here’s to hoping the first book is good.
Until the next read,
-TMR
March 12, 2022
Angsty and addictive!
Great start! This was a emotional and addictive read full of teenage angst and heartache can’t wait for These Dirty Lies !
Great start! This was a emotional and addictive read full of teenage angst and heartache can’t wait for These Dirty Lies !
January 13, 2022
Yay for free prequels!! lol
I enjoyed this one a lot and now I cannot wait to get my hands on books 1 of the duet! I'm so curious how life continued for Hayleigh and how everything will go from there! Also, I think this was the first I've read of LA Cotton and I really liked the writing, too! <3
I enjoyed this one a lot and now I cannot wait to get my hands on books 1 of the duet! I'm so curious how life continued for Hayleigh and how everything will go from there! Also, I think this was the first I've read of LA Cotton and I really liked the writing, too! <3
October 6, 2021
We're given a glimpse into the life that is Harleigh and Nix. She's his Birdie, he's her everything. Halloween night brings confessions and a lost past. But everything after that night brings Harleighs world crashing to the ground. The one she needs to save her is the one she can't get a hold of.
October 4, 2021
Omg the suspense!! I cant wait for release in 2022!! As always, LA Cotton writting amazing stories!
February 18, 2022
OMG Lianne does it again and again! I can’t wait to continue reading about Harleigh and Phoenix!
I live this short story!! So excited to read more!
I live this short story!! So excited to read more!
October 5, 2021
cannot wait to read the whole book so i can cry a little more.
October 5, 2021
Great Start!
I am totally intrigued! Can't wait to check out this series! Read in Hallowed Night. I'm definitely all in for this one.
I am totally intrigued! Can't wait to check out this series! Read in Hallowed Night. I'm definitely all in for this one.
January 4, 2022
In this prequel to the Darling Hill series, LA Cotton tells us the beginning story of Harleigh and Phoenix. For being a novella, this audio had lots of intensity. I spent these few chapters on the edge of my seat! If this is just the prequel, I can’t wait to see rollercoaster ride LA Cotton has in store for the full books! Violet Strong was cast perfectly for this role. Her timing, pitch, pace, and tone were spot on. I really hope she is cast for the series because she was excellent in her portrayal of the characters and the story. Thank you to Pink Flamingo and Audiobook Obsession for gifting me this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
5 intriguing stars!
NOLA504NERDS BLOG
5 intriguing stars!
NOLA504NERDS BLOG
December 10, 2021
Ahhhhh, this one was over too fast! I need more!
These Dark Hearts might be a prequel novella, but the author somehow succeeded in picking up my heartbeat several times! I fell in love with the main leads and side characters (is it crazy to already want their books?) so easily. Best friends-to-lovers, school rivalry (major Rixon Raiders vibes!), angst-o-meter on alert from anticipation... I legit can't wait to see where Nix and B take us!
So good!!!
These Dark Hearts might be a prequel novella, but the author somehow succeeded in picking up my heartbeat several times! I fell in love with the main leads and side characters (is it crazy to already want their books?) so easily. Best friends-to-lovers, school rivalry (major Rixon Raiders vibes!), angst-o-meter on alert from anticipation... I legit can't wait to see where Nix and B take us!
So good!!!
March 23, 2023
Yo sé que es una precuela introductoria, peeeero no me generó nada, ni un poco curiosidad por leer el resto. Estaría bueno que dejen de escribir sobre pibes de 17 años en situaciones ??? Cuando perfectamente esa trama puede ser de universitarios 🙃🙃🙃
En fin, dudoso que alguna vez les el resto. Además el MC me parece un pelotudo
En fin, dudoso que alguna vez les el resto. Además el MC me parece un pelotudo
October 9, 2021
Of course now I need the full story!!!
November 29, 2021
Read as part of an anthology, and now I'm dying for the rest of this story!
March 12, 2022
Hooked me already
Okay, I NEED more!
This taste of Nix and Wren has already hooked me. I can't wait to see what happens.
Okay, I NEED more!
This taste of Nix and Wren has already hooked me. I can't wait to see what happens.
October 7, 2021
I am so excited, after this prequel, to read Harleigh and Nix's entire story! I loved every word ❤
October 11, 2021
I loved this story. I cannot wait for more of Harleigh & Nix's full story! Highly recommend this read 😍🥵
January 11, 2022
Feeling greedy for more!
This author knows how to turn my appetite into hunger, level max! I 'm speechless and in awe, this might be a really short shortie, but it's so good at the same moment! It's truly captivating and emotional introduction to next series, and I cannot wait for more
This author knows how to turn my appetite into hunger, level max! I 'm speechless and in awe, this might be a really short shortie, but it's so good at the same moment! It's truly captivating and emotional introduction to next series, and I cannot wait for more
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews